With autumn finally here and temperatures finally starting to drop, it’s time to pack away my sandals until next spring and replace them with some warmer alternatives. Now you might initially be thinking that I’ll be pulling out a pair of boots, and although I’m very loyal to them throughout winter and early spring, after a long heatwave here in the UK, they still feel too warm for the current weather. Not to mention that I find them much harder to style with my jeans, skirts and tailored trousers. So, for autumn 2026 specifically, I’m on the hunt for some stylish flat shoes to see me through until it gets really chilly at the end of the year.
My first port of call for inspiration? The runway, of course, and the autumn/winter 2026 shows were filled with a plethora of different flat-shoe trends that are set to dominate the upcoming season. And you’ll be pleased to know that there’s something to suit everyone, from easy slip-on mules that minimalists will love to statement-making faux fur styles that every maximalist dresser will be wearing this season.
And after hours of scrolling through the look books of my favourite designers, I’ve narrowed my attention down to the five standout trends that everyone will be wearing this autumn. But the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below.
Keep scrolling to discover the five flat-shoe trends set to dominate autumn 2026.
5 Flat Shoe Trends I’m Wearing Instead of Boots This Autumn
1. Slide-On Mules
Style notes: With comfort at the forefront of my mind this season, now is the perfect time to hop on the slide-on mule that designers are backing for autumn 2026. They’re comfortable, easy to style and, most importantly, will never go out of style. And don’t just take it from me; the likes of Zimmerman and Magda Butrym are also big fans of the backless mule trend.
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Simple, chic and so easy to style.
I’ve had my eye on the classic YSL Le Loafers for a while, but these are just as polished.
Wear with jeans, skirts and dresses alike.
These will go with everything.
2. Faux-Fur
Style notes: Cosy season has officially started, and I can’t think of a trend that encapsulates this better than the faux fur flat shoe. Not only do they feel extremely warm and comfortable, but they’re also an easy way to dress up classic jeans, dresses, or skirts if you’re more of a pared-back dresser like me.
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Don’t these look so cosy?
Shearling loafers? Sign me up!
These also come in black and tan.
Imagine this with a cream cashmere knit and ecru jeans.
3. Violet Purple
Style notes: Throughout autumn, I tend to stick to neutral hues like black or brown, but the bright purple colour that I spotted on the autumn/winter runways is calling to me. It’s sure to earn you compliments and is an easy way to add interest to an otherwise neutral outfit, but something about this colour still manages to feel extremely expensive and wearable. Consider me convinced.
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I’d style these with black tailored trousers and a purple knit for the office.
Just so cool.
Alaïa never lets me down.
So sleek.
4. Snake Print
Style notes: For autumn 2026, fashion people have their eyes set on a classic pattern that both minimalists and maximalists can get behind. Enter the snake print flats. With a pattern that’s bold enough to add interest to an outfit, but a colour palette that remains neutral and easy to style, I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing snake ballet flats, trainers and more everywhere this season.
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The viral Mexico 66 trainers now come in this chic snake print.
No one will guess these are from the high street, or under £30 at that!
These will elevate even the simplest of outfits.
I’m very into this darker snake-print design.
5. Embellished
Style notes: Looking for an easy way to add some texture to your autumn outfits? The embroidered flat shoe trend has you covered. Showcased on the catwalk by the likes of Miu Miu and Absent Findings, the pretty footwear trend feels perfect for all of my upcoming formal events without me having to pull out an uncomfy pair of heels.
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Straight from the runway.
I cannot believe these are a high-street find. Well done, M&S.
These feel perfect for the autumn season.
For the more pared-back dressers amongst us.
